Kenya imports KSh 55 billion worth of rice annually due to a significant domestic production shortfall. The country consumes over one million metric tonnes of rice yearly, but only produces around 230,000 tonnes. To address this, experts are advocating for climate-smart rice varieties, like upland rice, which emit fewer greenhouse gases and require less water.
Innovations such as digital tools for farming and using rice by-products for sustainable energy and livestock feed are also being explored to improve yields and reduce environmental impact.